In a move that has shaken up the Isaac School District, two Phoenix elementary campuses will be shutting their doors after a contentious decision-making process. Despite a "no" vote from the governing board on Thursday, the state-appointed receiver exercised their authority to overrule the vote, signaling the closure of P.T. Coe Elementary School and Moya Elementary School. This was confirmed in reporting by KTAR, highlighting ongoing financial constraints and declining enrollment as driving factors behind the decision.
Struggling to reconcile educational imperatives with a staggering $28 million budget crisis, the school district was compelled to not only shut down two schools but also to redraw the existing boundary lines to adjust to the new reality. Despite a 4-1 vote by the board against the closures, receiver Keith Kenney had the last word, indicating that drastic measures were needed. Keith Kenney, according to ABC15, underscored that they aimed to "choose brick-[and]-mortar or kids," highlighting the financial drain the schools would pose if kept open.
During the discussions, Dr. Lily Mesa-Lema, the interim superintendent, drew attention to two "harsh realities"—the imperative to cut spending and the dwindling student population. "The action is long overdue ... What we're doing now is a necessary course correction," Mesa-Lema said, as reported by KTAR. This sentiment was echoed by board member Harry Garewal Jr., who, in his sole affirmative vote, stressed the importance of saving the district over the buildings themselves, believing that this path was critical for the district's survival.
Dealing with the aftermath of what appears to have been a significant oversight in financial management, the district has also decided to lease out space to 'STEER,' a Phoenix education company. This move is a bid to not only generate some much-needed revenue but also to slash transportation costs. Patricia Jimenez, the board president, voted against the closures, voicing concerns over the rise of private schools to potentially replace the shuttered public schools. She directly apologized to the ISD community, promising to remain a steadfast advocate for public education, as per ABC15 coverage.
Adding to the district's woes, a report prepared by the state-appointed receiver revealed that mismanagement of federal pandemic relief funds, specifically ESSER grants, contributed to the budgetary shortfall. The report detailed that the district failed to meet deadlines and overspent on certain facilities, such as campus safety systems.
